Tigress 'Zeenat' Causes Curfew-Like Conditions in Chakulia, Jharkhand
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Jamshedpur, Dec 13 (NationPress) A curfew-like atmosphere has enveloped several villages in the Chakulia block of East Singhbhum (Jamshedpur) district for the past four to five days, driven by the fear of a tigress named Zeenat.
The tigress, which hails from Odisha's Simlipal Tiger Reserve, has been sighted in the Chiyabandi forest, yet attempts to capture her have remained unsuccessful.
The Forest Department reports that Zeenat is allegedly hungry, raising alarm over the possibility of her attacking humans if the chance arises.
To ensure public safety, the Ghatsila subdivision administration has enacted prohibitory orders in Chiyabandi, Pandrasali, Dhadika, and Kharbandha villages, restricting local movement since December 11.
Schools in Chiyabandi are currently closed, and parents from surrounding villages are hesitant to send their children to school out of fear.
Panic has spread throughout a 20 km radius in the vicinity.
In efforts to capture the tigress, the Forest Department placed a buffalo in the Chiyabandi forest as bait on Wednesday. Early Thursday morning, Zeenat attacked the buffalo, but attempts to sedate her with tranquilizer darts were unsuccessful when the shot missed, enabling her to retreat into the forest.
Zeenat, along with another tigress named Jamuna, was relocated from Maharashtra's Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve to Simlipal Tiger Reserve in October-November. After spending 10 days in a soft enclosure, Zeenat was released into the core area of Simlipal North on November 24.
However, on Monday night, she strayed out of the reserve, covering around 35 km to reach Jharkhand’s Chiyabandi forest via Gudabanda, Chakulia Nayagram, and Rajabasa.
The tigress is being monitored with a radio collar and GPS technology. A team of 20 forest personnel has been assigned to keep track of her movements, and discussions are ongoing between the Jharkhand and Odisha governments to devise a strategy for her safe capture and return to Simlipal.
STR Field Director Prakash Chand Gogineni confirmed that concerted efforts are underway to return Zeenat to her natural habitat.
The forest departments of both states are collaborating closely to ensure her safety while minimizing risks to local communities.
